Programme and Operations Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) coordinates regional efforts on sustainable natural resource management and climate action, focusing on initiatives like the AFR100 Project, which supports countries in their commitment to restore degraded landscapes and improve livelihoods.

Job Overview:
The Programme and Operations Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of the AFR100 Project, which aims to support countries in their commitment to restore degraded landscapes and enhance the livelihoods of local communities. This position requires a proactive individual who can provide operational and program coordination support to ensure the timely delivery of project activities. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including country offices, technical teams, and regional partners, to facilitate effective communication and collaboration. The role involves monitoring project implementation, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with FAO's corporate procedures. The specialist will also contribute to knowledge management and learning by supporting the organization of meetings, workshops, and training sessions, as well as preparing reports and communication materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme and Operations Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

• Programme Management: Supporting the onboarding and training of new project staff, ensuring continuity of operational processes; facilitating internal coordination among outcome leads; assisting in monitoring programme implementation; coordinating communication with country offices; contributing to risk assessments; and responding to queries regarding project progress.
• Operations: Monitoring contractual processes, coordinating operational workflows, liaising with FAO units for compliance, tracking project work plans and budgets, developing programme tracking tools, supporting administrative deliverables, managing calendar and meeting logistics, and maintaining programme filing systems.
• Knowledge Management and Learning: Ensuring alignment of operational data with monitoring frameworks, supporting the organization of regional meetings and workshops, assisting in the preparation of presentations and reports, contributing to the development of communication materials, and supporting knowledge product preparation and delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in international development, business/public administration, project management, or a related field. They should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in supporting programme operations, project implementation, or coordination of donor-funded projects in international development. A working knowledge of English (level C) is required, and candidates must be nationals of Ghana or residents with a valid work permit. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fields related to international development, business or public administration, project management, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and operational coordination in an international context.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in supporting programme operations, project implementation, or coordination of donor-funded projects. Experience working with international organizations and in multi-stakeholder environments is highly valued. The ability to manage operational workflows, including procurement and contract management, is crucial for this role.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in French is considered a strong asset, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Accra, Ghana, and is expected to be a full-time role. Candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements and selection criteria outlined in the job description. The FAO emphasizes the importance of compliance with its corporate procedures and standards, and candidates should be prepared to adhere to these guidelines throughout their work.